Energy assistance program in Eagle accepting applications

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The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) will be available for eligible households from Nov. 1 through April 30, 2013. Qualifying limited-income households may receive assistance to pay a portion of their home energy bill.

For the 2012-13 heating season, Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin Counties have contracted with Goodwill Industries of Southern and Western Colorado to administer the program. Goodwill Industries has been administering the LEAP program for El Paso County for more than 15 years and has developed an effective process for managing approximately 20,000 applications per heating season.

"By contracting with Goodwill, households seeking assistance will receive their benefits more quickly and at a lower cost to the county," said Megan Burch, economic services manager for Eagle and Pitkin County.

Households may qualify for LEAP assistance if anyone within the home is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; heating costs are paid directly to an energy provider or is included in the rent; and gross monthly household income is within income guidelines.-

Household Size----Monthly Income

--------------------------

1 $1,397

2 $1,892

3 $2,387

4 $2,882

5 $3,377

6 $3,872

7 $4,367

8 $4,862

Each qualified household may receive only one LEAP benefit for the winter season. Additional factors such as type of heat being used and type of dwelling unit are considered before an amount is awarded to an applicant. Funds for home heating system repairs may also be available.

An additional resource for those struggling with high heat bills is the Governor's Energy Office Energy Management Program, also known as the Weatherization Program. The program is available to assist low- and moderate-income households reduce their heating costs through services such as insulation, caulking and weather-stripping, as well as the installation of new storm windows and new energy-efficient furnaces and refrigerators. Those who qualify for LEAP, Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), Old Age Pension (OAP) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for these weatherization services.

After Nov. 1, applications for LEAP may be picked up from any of the Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin County Health and Human Services office locations in Aspen, Avon, Eagle, El Jebel, Glenwood Springs, and Rifle. To request an application by mail or for more information on LEAP and other available resources, call Discover Goodwill at 1-888-775-5327 or Heat Help at 1-866-432-8435. For more information on the Weatherization Program, call 1-800-332-3669 or visit www.nwccog.org and click on "Weatherization Program."